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In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with disgraced financier Epstein.

The individual asked how long the monarch had been known about his brother's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "hide" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were large groups of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was in the region for an ceremony.

The Duke of York's connections with Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

"For how long have you been aware about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew?"

The monarch ignored the questions but continued meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also observed telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".

Scandal Revived by Memoir

The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse claims detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the memoir, the accuser alleges she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "several other minors"

Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

But recently, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a working royal.

The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has heightened the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before MPs to give testimony about his rental agreement of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the authorities refused to give parliamentarians time to debate the royal's titles or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his current residence - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• The Monarch